Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 27

Thread: Magic marker on top

  1. #1

    Default Magic marker on top

    Any thoughts on how to remove a magic marker signature from the top of a Gibson F5G?

  2. #2
    Likes quaint instruments poul hansen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Location
    Danmark
    Posts
    725

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    If it's not shellac, then alcohool will do it. On shellac only wipe ONCE, wait for the shellac to harden, al least ½ hour, then repeat but the shellac can become dull
    Kentucky KM-805..........2 Hora M1086 Portuguese II(1 in car)
    Hora M1088 Mandola.....
    Richmond RMA-110..... .Noname Bearclaw
    Pochette Franz Janisch...5 Pocket............Alfredo Privitera pocket
    Puglisi Pocket 1908........Puglisi 1912.......Puglisi 1917
    3 Mandolinetto ..............C.Garozzo
    1 Mandriola...................Cannelo G. Mandriola...Böhm Waldzither 1921
    Johs Møller 1945............Luigi Embergher Studio 1933
    Marma Seashell back......Luigi Embergher 5bis 1909

  3. The following members say thank you to poul hansen for this post:


  4. #3

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    Gibson doesn’t use shellac do they? I’ve seen some YouTube’s of WD40 and others using dry erase marker. Any thoughts?

  5. #4
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    High Peak - UK
    Posts
    4,171

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    No idea how but there was no evidence of the signature on this one - http://www.mandolinarchive.com/gibson/serial/23871 - when I bought it; although the chap selling it couldn’t understand how I knew it had been there in the first place!

  6. #5
    Adrian Minarovic
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, Europe
    Posts
    3,461

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    I wouldn't go with WD-40 or any oil substance close to finish. These solvent based markers can eat deeply into the finish and the only way to get rid of them is abrasive removal. I once had a Flatiron A-5 with some signatures on back that could not be removed completely even with 600 grit paper. The finish was optically quite thick but still going to coarser paper calls for sanding through if there is unexpected thinner spot on the plate so I didn't want to go any further and just polished out the back back to gloss.
    If the F-5G has gloss lacquer you may be able to rub out the surface with fine abrasives and polishing compounds to see how deep it is but I would let someone with experience in finishing do it. Some of the modern Gibsons have finish mile deep in places but you don't know if it is consistently as deep everywhere especially on curved surfaces.
    Adrian

  7. The following members say thank you to HoGo for this post:


  8. #6
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Howell, NJ
    Posts
    26,874

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    The F5G came in two finishes, Lacquer and Varnish on a very few special models. The label will say F5GV.

    Try a damp cloth and some tooth paste.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  9. #7

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    No “V”

  10. #8
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Howell, NJ
    Posts
    26,874

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    Toothpaste is a very mild abrasive. Try a small spot with a damp soft cloth where the signature is.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  11. #9

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    I spoke to Gibson customer service they said a little guitar polish should take it right off. This does not sound right to me at all.

  12. #10
    Cafe Linux Mommy danb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 1996
    Location
    Norfolk, England
    Posts
    5,813

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    Quote Originally Posted by Ray(T) View Post
    No idea how but there was no evidence of the signature on this one - http://www.mandolinarchive.com/gibson/serial/23871 - when I bought it; although the chap selling it couldn’t understand how I knew it had been there in the first place!
    heheh
    The Mandolin Archive
    my CDs
    "The wheel is turning, but the hamster is dead"

  13. #11
    Registered User Cheryl Watson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    St. Augustine, Florida, USA
    Posts
    1,508

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    Toothpaste is a very mild abrasive. Try a small spot with a damp soft cloth where the signature is.
    I use that trick, Mike, on my car finish and to buff out little scratches on my guitars. I was always told Crest regular, not the fancy-smancy newer versions with whitening, sensitivity, etc. But disclaimer: I have never used it on my varnished mandolins so I cannot personally recommend it.

  14. #12
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Foothills, NC
    Posts
    344

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    A little hair of the dog. On the white dry erase boards. We often color over permanent marker writing with a fresh permanent marker. it will loosen up the the original. Then you can remove it with a polish or cleaner. Usually most of it can be wiped off.

    Adam

  15. The following members say thank you to addamr for this post:


  16. #13

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    After working years in a vintage guitar shop, I would say there is no foolproof method. It "depends" on the marker used and what finish is on the instrument. I have used many techniques, some with perfect success and sometimes not so much. I will say it is a shame that somebody's good intention of getting their instrument signed by one of their heroes can become a liability on the used market. YMMV.

    I have used addamr's technique often with good luck. I have also used Megiuiar's cleaner wax and it works well and will not harm nitro or poly finishes. Basically, try different stuff from milder to stronger and see what happens. Know when to stop rather than overdo it. It is easy to dull a finish permanently with the wrong solvent. Never use acetone on finishes.

    The problem is that a Sharpie will soak in pretty deep and sometimes the removal only works partially. Sometimes it is good to ask yourself, "how much do I hate the signature?" Or, could I possibly BECOME a fan of the person who signed it? I had a vintage Telecaster the previous owner had painted "Little Leroy" on the front in fairly big letters -- sloppily, I might add. I knew it wouldn't come off without damage, so I decided to become "Little Leroy!"

    Good luck! A fairly common problem, unfortunately.

  17. #14
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    South of Cleburne, North of Hillsboro, Texas
    Posts
    5,089

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    As evidenced in the replies, results will vary. If you’re uncomfortable about damaging the finish, start with the least abrasive measures offered above.

    I’ve had good results on lacquer finishes using denatured alcohol together with an abrasive like scotchbright or even 0000 steel wool, without removing the finish. Sometimes it goes so deep that finish repair or refinish is necessary, so if you’re not a finisher, beware.
    WWW.THEAMATEURMANDOLINIST.COM
    ----------------------------------
    "Life is short. Play hard." - AlanN

    ----------------------------------
    HEY! The Cafe has Social Groups, check 'em out. I'm in these groups:
    Newbies Social Group | The Song-A-Week Social
    The Woodshed Study Group | Blues Mando
    - Advice For Mandolin Beginners
    - YouTube Stuff

  18. #15
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    High Peak - UK
    Posts
    4,171

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    Minimum abrasion - “T-cut” rather than toothpaste.

  19. #16

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    I spoke to a trusted luthier today. He says while he doesn't work on mando's he seems to recall that this model had a fairly thick finish. It may be that the marker did not fully penetrate. His first recommendation is to try to buff the marker out.

  20. #17
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Howell, NJ
    Posts
    26,874

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    Quote Originally Posted by Rossipeter602 View Post
    I spoke to a trusted luthier today. He says while he doesn't work on mando's he seems to recall that this model had a fairly thick finish. It may be that the marker did not fully penetrate. His first recommendation is to try to buff the marker out.
    You could pay him to buff it out or you could attempt it yourself with a little toothpaste. At this point in time you've got a multitude of choices, try one, any one.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  21. #18
    Registered User Mandobart's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Washington State
    Posts
    3,652

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    Never used this on an instrument, but hair spray has removed Sharpie, Marks-a-lot and other markers off my furniture, laminate Formica and some fabrics.

    As always, test a small inconspicuous area first.

  22. #19
    Teacher, repair person
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Southeast Tennessee
    Posts
    4,078

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    Do not use strong solvents such as acetone or alcohol on lacquer. They will dissolve it, or at the very least soften it.
    Acetone can cut all the way through to the wood in a minute or less.

    The only solvent that I would try is naphtha. It will not react with lacquer.
    I wouldn't use hairspray or anything like that either. I don't know what's in it.

    If naphtha won't do it, you will have to carefully try a polishing compound. As Jeff stated above, start with the lightest grade, such as Meguiar's #7 "show car glaze." You can move up to the #9 "swirl remover" if necessary. If that doesn't do it, you can try a "fine" compound such as Meguiar's #2. If that doesn't work, take it to a pro and cross your fingers. "Medium" compounds should be only be used by professionals, and they must use it cautiously-- use too much or work too long, and it too can cut all the way through to the wood.

    When in doubt, seek a highly skilled professional for a job such as this.

  23. #20
    Adrian Minarovic
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, Europe
    Posts
    3,461

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    Quote Originally Posted by Mandobart View Post
    Never used this on an instrument, but hair spray has removed Sharpie, Marks-a-lot and other markers off my furniture, laminate Formica and some fabrics.

    As always, test a small inconspicuous area first.
    Hairspray often contains alcohols or some amount of MEK or acetone that may damage the lacquer. Furniture finished with poly or laminates/ Formica is pretty much bulletproof against most solvents on this earth.
    If it was my instrument I'd probably try to gently scrape tiny bit (pinhead size) off with perfectly sharp curved scalpel blade just to see how deep it goes. I'e got some experience with finishing but I wouldn't recomment it to anyone with lmited experience. At worst I would get tiny scratch that can be drop filled and buffed back. But there may be places where the marker soaked deeper so I would try preferrably at spot with darker streak. But I wouldn't do this on customers instrument as this whole job outcome is unpredictable.
    Adrian

  24. #21

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    Thanks for all the replies. At least there is consensus that this is a thorny problem with no assured resolution.

  25. #22

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    Not mentioned so far, but also not necessarily useful is that marker manufacturers, like, say Sharpie, have removal solvents listed, as well as the ink MSDS ingredients. However, even when a finish is pretty well immune to solvents and is fairly thick, as on a car or urethaned furniture, there often is no way to keep the human eye from seeing the remains of a mark. It’s a built-in neuro feature.
    So complete stripping and refinishing of a panel, or component is recommended, which should be enough to make a luthier’s customer drop the subject.

  26. #23
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Howell, NJ
    Posts
    26,874

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    The mandolin in question is in the classifieds. I believe you would be paying more because of the signatures.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  27. #24

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    Not me. I really never considered the possibility that an instrument is more valuable With graffiti but I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Maybe if it was bill Monroe but even then maybe not. It doesn’t look like the seller is on the same page so I’m moving on. Thanks for all your help.

  28. The following members say thank you to Rossipeter602 for this post:

    newton 

  29. #25

    Default Re: Magic marker on top

    It didn't even occur to me that the seller might think the signatures increase the value.

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •